It is the most powerful creation to have life growing inside of you. There is no bigger gift.
-Beyoncé
Postpartum is a quest back to yourself. Alone in your body again. You will never be the same, you are stronger than you were.
-Amethyst Joy
The perinatal period includes a woman’s pregnancy and as well as her time in postpartum, the full first year of her baby’s life. This is a time of transition for women, which can be very difficult for some of us. Perinatal mental health disorders occur in approximately one in five women, but may actually be statistically higher because of under reporting/missed or hidden cases.
Here’s a list of the mental health disorders that may show up during the perinatal period:
- Pregnancy/Postpartum Depression
- Pregnancy/Postpartum Anxiety
- Pregnancy/Postpartum OCD
- Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Postpartum PTSD)- often from a traumatic birth
- Pregnancy/Postpartum Bipolar Mood Disorders
- Postpartum Psychosis
Please check out www.postpartum.net for more detailed information on each type of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Types of Therapeutic Treatment for Perinatal Mental Health Disorders:
- Talk therapy
- Medication
- EMDR
- Somatic experiencing
- Nature therapy
- Group therapy
- Body work
- Movement therapy
- CBT
What else would you add here?
Self-care for pregnant and postpartum moms:
- Therapy
- Journaling
- Meditation
- Massage
- Focusing on mindfulness/your five senses
- Mantras like “be here now” or “be where your feet are”
- Reading/Psychoeducation on perinatal mental health
- Prioritizing your basic needs like sleep, eating a healthy diet for your body, staying hydrated, movement, emotionally connecting with loved ones, etc.
What else would you add to this list that help you during your own pregnancy/postpartum experience?
As amazing as pregnancy and postpartum are, they can also be really difficult periods of time in a woman’s life. If you’re in the perinatal period, and struggling right now, know that you’re not alone. Please reach out to your doctor or a mental health therapist in your state for more support. We’re sending lots of love and compassion your way as you navigate your pregnancy and postpartum experiences!
**The following are joint social media posts with my colleague Dr. Aparna Iyer @aparnaiyermd
